Beaded Dragons

  
Common Name Bearded Dragon or Poor mans Frilled Lizard
Scientific Name Pogona vitticeps
Temperature Background daytime temperature should be 86 degrees with a basking temperature between 100 and 110 degrees. A night time temperature drop between 70 and 75 degrees is suggested.
Adult Lenght From 19" to 24"
Feeding Habits Bearded Dragons are primarily insectivores but their diet should include a small amount of plant material. Young hatchlings should be fed twice daily with insects (such as small crickets andmealworms) and 20% plant matter every day if they are to achieve optimal growth. Plant matter includes chopped green leaves (collards, turnips, etc.), shredded root vegetables (carrots,radishes, etc.), beans/peas (including their pods), mixed fruits (such as berries, melon, and bananas), squash, zucchini, and even boiled pasta. Vitamin/Calcium supplements should be provided at every other day. The same diet would apply to adults accept the insects offered would be larger and could include superworms. As a feeding reference, the food offered should be approximately 1/3rd the size of the lizards head. . .not larger. Eventhough much of their water intake will be provides through plant matter, it is still suggested that you mist a portion of the habitat daily so they can "lap" the water from the sides. This simulates the way Bearded Dragons might get water in the wild.
Compatibility Because males tend to be very territorial, it is best that they are kept alone. If breeding is the goal, one male can be kept with up to three females.
Substrate The use of play sand or ESU's Desert Blend© as a substrate will work very well. It is impotant to monitor your dragon and make sure it is not ingesting large amounts of the substrate in that it can lead to health problems such as intestinal blockage. All substrates should be changed on a regular basis for both the health of the animal and for odor control.
Habitat As hatchlings and juveniles, a smaller tank (around 10 gallons) is suggested in order to provide a feeling of security for the dragon and to more effectivly maintain them. As adults, a larger terrarium will be required to meet their space requirements (around 55 gallons). Your set up should include a substrate, 2 thermometers (one at each end of the habitat to make sure there is a proper theraml range), large rocks to climb on, apiece of wood perched so the dragon can bask, a water dish, and if possible a rock back wall for decoration. The rocks must be firmly planted on the floor of the habitat to prevent the Bearde Dragon from excavating beneath and possibily crushing themselves. Strong UV lighting (with both UVA & UVB) must be provided for 12 hours each day. Additionaly, a large flat rock placed beneath the basking light provides an exellent basking area and offers the additional benefit of staying warm well after the light has been turned off. Artificial silk plants can be used to provide a "natural" Desert appearence.
Additional Comments Bearded Dragons are hardy Lizards and are fast becoming one of the most popular reptiles availible. They prove to be very docile and have a life expectancy of 5-8 years. As juveniles both sexes commonly "wave" their arms in excitment.
  

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